Roman Imperial
The Roman Empire (27 BC – AD 476 in the West) was the phase of Roman civilization characterized by autocratic rule, beginning with Augustus, the first emperor. It succeeded the Roman Republic after years of civil war and brought about a period of relative peace and stability known as the Pax Romana. At its height, the Empire controlled vast territories across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Roman law, architecture, culture, and engineering flourished, leaving a lasting legacy on Western civilization. Over time, internal decay, economic troubles, and external invasions contributed to its decline, with the Western Empire falling in AD 476, while the Eastern (Byzantine) Empire endured for nearly another thousand years.
Augustus, AR Denarius. Rome, 19–18 BC.
Silver denarius struck under Augustus, featuring one of the most iconic symbols of dynastic propaganda. Obv: CAESAR AVGVSTVS; oak-wreathed head of Augustus right. Rev: DIVVS IVLIVS; comet with eight rays and tail; banker’s mark in field. 19 mm, 3.85 g. RIC I² 37A. The comet, known as the Sidus Iulium, signified Julius Caesar’s deification and bolstered Augustus’s claim as the son of a god. Issued around the time of the Saecular Games, it reinforced Rome’s rebirth under divine sanction. Scarce and highly sought after. About Extremely Fine; bold portrait in fine style, light golden toning.
Nero, AR Denarius. Rome, 66–67 AD.
Silver denarius issued in the final years of Nero’s reign amid political unrest. Obv: IMP NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS; laureate head of Nero right. Rev: IVPPITER CVSTOS; Jupiter, nude to waist, seated left, holding thunderbolt and long scepter. 3.25 g. RIC I 64; BMCRE 74 var.; RSC 121. This scarce reverse type invokes Jupiter as “the Guardian,” likely referencing divine protection following the Pisonian conspiracy of 65 AD. A compelling piece of imperial propaganda from a volatile era. Almost Extremely Fine/Choice Very Fine; attractively toned and well-preserved. Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 95 (1999), lot 729; ex H.D. Rauch 62 (1998), lot 112.
Octavianus (44-27 BC). AR Denarius (19 mm, 3.71 g), uncertain mint in Italy (Rome?), autumn 30-summer 29.
Obv. Bare head to right.
Rev. Octavian's Actian Arch: Octavian standing in facing quadriga set on triumphal arch decorated with two wreaths and two eagles; on architrave, IMP CAESAR. BMC 624; RIC 267. Old cabinet tone and good very fine.
From the Armin Mathis Collection, purchased privately from Frank Sternberg AG, Zurich, in 1984, and from the Dr. A. Voirol Collection (hors catalogue, but with Dr. Voirol's hand written ticket enclosed), purchased in Basel in 1942.
Octavian, Silver Denarius, Italy, Autumn 30 – Summer 29 BC.
Struck at an uncertain Italian mint—possibly Rome—shortly after Octavian’s decisive victory at Actium, this silver denarius commemorates the triumphal return of Rome’s future first emperor. The obverse displays a bare-headed portrait of Octavian facing right, youthful yet resolute, a visual assertion of his authority in the wake of the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra.
The reverse depicts the Actian Arch, a triumphal monument erected to celebrate Octavian’s victory. He is shown standing in a quadriga (four-horse chariot) atop the arch, facing forward in a position of triumph. The structure is adorned with two wreaths and two legionary eagles, military symbols reinforcing his supremacy. The inscription IMP•CAESAR appears on the architrave, emphasizing his newly solidified title and command over Rome.
The coin weighs 3.6 grams and measures 18.9 mm in diameter. It is catalogued as Babelon Julia 162; BMC 624; Cohen 123; CRI 422; and RIC 267. This denarius is a powerful piece of political propaganda, issued at a pivotal moment when Octavian transformed from victorious general into the sole ruler of the Roman world, paving the way for the rise of the Principate.
Philip I, Augustus (AD 244–249). Antoninianus (AR, 23 mm, 4.03 g), Rome mint, 248.
IMP PHILIPPVS AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip I right, seen from behind / SAECVLARES AVGG She-wolf standing left, suckling Romulus and Remus; II in exergue
RIC 15; Cohen 178. Sharply struck, with great detail. Attractive toning. Very minor deposits. Extremely fine with some underlying luster.
Acquired from Münzhandlung Z. Plesa, Frankfurt. Ex G. Bohm Collection, Germany. With dealer's tag.
Tiberius with Drusus Minor, Silver Denarius, c. AD 22–23.
Issued during the reign of Emperor Tiberius (AD 14–37), this silver denarius is notable for featuring both the emperor and his son, Drusus Minor—an uncommon pairing that reflects the Julio-Claudian dynasty’s efforts to promote continuity and imperial succession. The obverse bears a finely rendered portrait of Tiberius, laureate and facing right, conveying imperial dignity and the authority of Rome's second emperor.
On the reverse, the head of Drusus Minor appears facing left. As the biological son of Tiberius and a rising political figure, Drusus held consulships and military commands, but died suddenly in AD 23 under suspicious circumstances. His inclusion on coinage—especially in this dual-portrait type—was likely intended to solidify his position as heir apparent before his untimely demise.
Struck in silver, the denarius measures 17 mm in diameter and weighs 3.9 grams. This type is catalogued as RPC 3622 and RIC 87. It is a historically compelling issue, both numismatically and politically, providing a window into the complex succession politics of the early Roman Empire.
